Billionaire Elon Musk is once again throwing his financial weight behind Republicans, reversing an earlier pullback ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
Musk Returns as GOP Mega-Donor
After previously stating that he planned to pull back from political spending, Musk has reemerged as a major Republican donor. Federal Election Commission filings reveal that Musk has given at least $20 million to super PACs aligned with House and Senate GOP leadership. This significant donation includes:
- $5 million contributed to President Donald Trump’s super PAC, MAGA Inc.
- $10 million donated to a super PAC supporting Kentucky Senate candidate Nate Morris, who is seeking to replace retiring Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.).
Impact on GOP Fundraising
The contribution to Morris’s campaign far exceeded the campaign’s existing cash on hand and significantly bolstered Republican fundraising. According to Cayce Myers, a Virginia Tech professor who studies political campaigns, “Musk as a donor is important [because] money in politics is important, but Musk himself is a politically polarizing figure.” Myers added, “As his money is needed, the fact that he is involved does create a complicated political situation for Republicans.”
Trump Ties Show Signs of Revival
Musk was the largest donor of the 2024 election cycle, spending roughly $250 million to support Trump and other Republicans. Although he later stepped away from Washington after controversy surrounding his role as head of the Department of Government Efficiency and a public falling-out with Trump, recent donations suggest that relations have stabilized. Republican strategist Brian Seitchik noted, “It certainly feels like the president and Elon Musk are back in a good place.”
Musk, Trump Reconnect Over Voting Debate
Last week, Musk entered the U.S. voting debate, warning that democracy was at risk if Congress did not enforce stricter proof-of-citizenship rules. He stated, “It must be done or democracy is dead.” This stance has apparently improved his relationship with President Trump, who praised Musk during a White House press briefing, saying, “Elon’s great. He’s 80% super genius and 20% he makes mistakes.” Musk shared a photo from their dinner with Trump and First Lady Melania Trump, saying it had been a “lovely dinner” and “2026 is going to be amazing.”